Senate Democrats Block GOP Move on Obama Immigration Policy

Funding for Department of Homeland Security Hangs in the Balance

By

Kristina Peterson and

Michael R. Crittenden

Updated Feb. 3, 2015 4:07 pm ET

Senate Democrats Tuesday blocked a House bill aimed at thwarting President Barack Obama’s immigration executive action, leaving the chambers at an impasse abou how to prevent the Homeland Security Department from running out of money at month’s end.

In an early illustration of the limits of the new GOP majority’s power in the Senate, the House immigration bill stalled on a 51-48 procedural vote in the Senate.